The Book of the Dead Facsimiles of the Papyri of Hunefer, Anhai, Kerāsher and Netchemet, with Supplementary Text from the Papyrus of Nu, with Transcripts, Translations, &c

Abstract

SINCE the beginning of the present century the “Book of the Dead” has occupied the attention of the learned world, and has been a subject of study among all those who take an interest in the religious beliefs of the ancient races of mankind. The earliest publications on the subject took the form of somewhat inaccurate reproductions of papyri on which the text of the “Book of the Dead” was written; and, though much speculation existed as to the nature of its contents, it was not until well on in the present century that the foundations were laid for its correct interpretation. Champollion had made careful studies of the whole of the texts of the “Book of the Dead” to which he had access; and, from the translations of detached passages which are found scattered in his writings, it is clear that he recognised the general character of the composition. But he never translated a section of any length, and the fact that he termed the “Book of the Dead” “le Rituel Funéraire” of the Egyptians showed that he had not correctly grasped its aim and object. More than thirty years later De Rougé adopted Champollion's title for the work, but since that time it has come to be recognised by all that the composition is not a collection of ritual texts, and that a more general phrase such as “Book of the Dead” is a more suitable title for the work.

The Book of the Dead. Facsimiles of the Papyri of Hunefer, Anhai, Kersher and Netchemet, with Supplementary Text from the Papyrus of Nu, with Transcripts, Translations, &c.

By E. A. Wallis Budge, Keeper of the Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities, British Museum. Pp. xi + 64 (fol.) + 98 plates. Printed by order of the Trustees. (London, 1899.)